On average how long do you spend preparing & cooking a standard family dinner/tea?

[Raggydoll]

For me it seems to be either super quick 15-20 mins or really long 4 plus hours/all day - how about you?

Most days about an hour, but I would have done bits earlier during the day too (like putting on the bread)

An hour most days, I find it relaxing if it's a well rehearsed dish with no time pressure.

Some where between 20.minutes and 90 minutes (sorry that's useless isn't it). Averages around 30-40 minutes. Quick meals are carbonara, stir fry. Longest ones things like fish pie or lasagne.

Yes I identify with all previous posters. I really enjoy it if I have the time to spend an hour / hour and half , it is therapeutic but honestly most nights I just need to get it on the table and everyone fed by 7 latest which is seriously no fun (and then I cook again for dh and I at 10! )

I wouldn't be cooking twice in one evening! I invest my time in one tasty meal - I eat with the dcs if dh is going to be too late home to join us and he reheats what ever has been made. Dcs are expected to help with the clear up too.

I've taken a radical stance on meal prep, I do it during nap time.. The sacred hour.

I love cooking, and this is the best time! Dd (2) helps cut some veg and whatever before she goes down for her nap, then I cook it and bung in the fridge to reheat for 5.30ish for dinner. We eat together most night because I cbad to cook twice!!

So, about an hour :)

I start cooking when I come in from work, average time is 45mins, depending on whether the oven is involved or just hob/grill. Always from scratch, occassionally, if a stew or ham, I'll bung it in the slow cooker before work so only accompaniments to make but that's quite rare, maybe once a fortnight in the winter. DH can cook but he prefers the mini Kiev, frozen chips route as quick and easy, once a month is enough of that for me and DS though and I love cooking so happy to do so.

I take an hour. But that usually includes racing my toddler up and down the kitchen, or cooking while hopping on one leg as she is hugging the other one. I reckon I could do it in 45 mins without her 'help'